Ladies, grab some friends and head to Wolf Hollow Golf Club, because your favorite event of the year is just around the corner! The Chamber is proud to present the 3rd annualChip and Ale Ladies Golf Day.

Teams consist of three ladies, who will bid on their fourth player/caddie (a male) and his auction package. The day starts with lunch and drinks at 11:00 a.m., followed by the auction at 11:45 a.m. Tee time is 1:00 p.m. Registrationsare now being accepted! Space is limited and no registrations will be accepted after May 5. Cost is $50/player and includes lunch, drinks, cart, golf, and pizza. Minimum bid for caddies and packages is $150. Packages are valued at $200 or more. For more information about registration or sponsorship, please contact Cheryl Quennoz at the Chamber office - (636) 239-2715 x102. You can also learn more at the Chamber website or Facebook page.

Please take a moment to read the letter from Fire Chief Bill Halmich. The Washington Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted to support the Washington Volunteer Fire Company in their efforts to recruit help for the fire service they provide to our community. If you or your company is able to help this worthy cause, please contact Fire Administration at (636) 390-1020.

The Washington Farmers' Market re-opens for the 2017 season on Saturday, April 8. Market hours are 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. every Saturday through October. The market features over 40 vendors with fresh produce, plants, baked goods, and handcrafted items.

In 2016, the "Sprouts" Kids Club was started at the market. The program was designed to introduce children to a variety of fresh, local produce while encouraging families to shop at the Washington Farmers' Market. Children earned $2 in Sprouts tokens each week when they checked in at the market. Sprouts tokens could be used only for fresh fruits and/or vegetables.

260 children participated in the Sprouts Club in 2016. logging over 1,100 total market visits and spending nearly $2,000 in sprouts tokens. The program will be expanded in 2017 to include more hands-on learning activities and special sprouts events.

Market vendors are reimbursed for the Sprouts tokens they collect, so without the generosity of sponsors, the Sprouts Club would not be possible. If your business is interested in supporting this healthy kids initiative, please contact Amanda at the Chamber Office (636-239-2715 x106). You can also view the sponsorship overview for levels and prices.

If you know a child who would like to participate in the sprouts club, or someone who would be interested in volunteering at the Sprouts check-in table please share the Kids Club Page from the Farmers' Market website with them.

The 2017 Chamber Banquet was a more festive event than most as the Fair theme, "Fairadise," was incorporated into many aspects of the evening. From the hawaiian leis that attendees received on arrival, to the sand/seashell/fish centerpieces and signature drinks... everything had a tropical feel to it!

After social hour and a delicious meal catered by the KC Ladies Auxiliary, the program began. Chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors, Jane Haberberger, gave a quick report on the organization before turning the microphone over to Bill Miller, Sr. for the presentation of the 2017 Washingtonian award. Dave and Tim Politte accepted the award on behalf of their father, John Politte, who was posthumously named this year's Washingtonian.

Following the selection of queen contestants, 2017 Fair Chairman Joe Maniaci introduced the Fair promotional video. Highlights for this year's fair include Bull Riding, Bronc Riding/Mexican Bull Fighting, Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League Western Series Tractor Pull, ITPA Field Class and Pro Stock Truck and Tractor Pull, and Stadium Motocross in the Ra-Comm/Radio Comm Motorsports Arena, and 7eventh Time Down, Granger Smith, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Lonestar, George Thorogood and The Destroyers - Rock Party Tour, and Brothers Osborne on the Pepsi Main Stage. This year's Chairman's event will be unlike anything we have featured before. The fair is proud to host the 9/11 Never Forget Traveling Exhibit for the duration of the fair. The memorial provides interactive education; including artifacts such as steel beams from the towers, documentary videos, recordings of first responder radio transmissions and live tours by FDNY firefighters.

The program came to a close with the Upper Deck Experience Auction. Thank you to Bank of Franklin County, Bank of Washington, Heritage Community Bank, and Jenny & Grace for purchasing packages in the auction!

Guests wrapped up the evening listening and dancing to music from local band, SAVANA.​​

Special thanks to our Banquet Sponsors:Bank of Franklin CountyBank of WashingtonU.S. TitleGenFinity Wealth ManagementCitizens BankFirst State Community BankLPL Financial– Eric Park & George MeyerUSA MortgageThanks also to the following groups/individuals for their donations and support:The Washington Fire Department for the use of their Large Video ScreenThe Knights of Columbus Hall for all of their assistance in tonight’s eventMatt Wilson—Wilson Video Productions for assistance with video and auction projection

We recently held a Ribbon Cutting at USA Mortgage on East Fifth Street. The branch is managed by Michelle Leesmann. You can learn more about the Washington office for USA Mortgage on the branch website, or follow Michelle Leesmann-Loan Officer on Facebook.

Do you ever feel a bit unsteady while trying to balance the demands of work, personal life, and giving back to the community? Tales from the Top will feature panelists giving stories from their climbs up the ladder. We anticipate some serious moments, great advice, and a lot of laughs. The event is organized by the Chamber's Young Professionals, a group targeted to those 40 and under.

The event is modeled after a similar program organized by the Young Professionals at the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce. Washington Chamber President Jennifer Giesike thinks everyone will be able to take away something from the program. "One of the goals for the Young Professionals group is to prepare the next generation of Washington leaders to step up and continue to carry the torch for Washington as businesspeople, family members, and volunteers. We're excited to showcase some community leaders that have done that very successfully."

The Chamber is gearing up for another great summer music series. Music at the Market is held the 2nd Thursday of the month, April through October (skipping August), at the Farmers' Market at 317 West Main Street. Food & Drink is available for purchase at the events. Bring a lawn chair and spend a relaxing evening with friends at the market. Details for individual M@M events are listed below. More information, including the winery and specialty beer of the month, will be made available as events get closer.

​May 11Texas GiantsFood: Fazoli's / Orange Leaf

June 8​Rockin' Lazy R Roadhouse BandFood: Cafe Mosaic

July 13Backstreet Cruisers​Food: Amighetti's

​September 14Pocket ChangeFood: Sugarfire Smoke House

​October 12Woodshine​Food: Wingnut Food Truck

Sponsorship Opportunities for Music at the Market are available, ranging from $250-$750. For more information, please contact Tessie at the Chamber Office (636-239-2715 x100).